Police have warned members of the public against circulating misleading information after an image of a man wanted in connection with a Dobsonville rape case was incorrectly linked online to the investigation into the deaths of eight women in Ekurhuleni.

The poster circulating on social media features a man wanted in connection with a rape reported in Dobsonville, Soweto, on September 1.

Police have clarified that the image is not connected to the Ekurhuleni murders.

SAPS has also not released a photograph or identikit of a suspect in connection with the eight women whose bodies have been discovered in the Ekurhuleni area since July.

Police cash reward boosts search

The warning comes as investigators intensify their efforts to establish whether the eight confirmed deaths are linked.

SAPS has announced a R400 000 reward for information that could assist in the investigation.

Also read: Police pursue person of interest, offer R400 000 reward

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has separately offered a R500 000 cash reward for information that leads to the successful prosecution of the person responsible for the murders of multiple women in Ekurhuleni.

DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane said the party wanted to supplement the law-enforcement efforts already under way.

“The DA is adding extra reason for all relevant information to be handed over now, to address this crisis quickly,” said Rasilingwane.

She said the initiative was intended to contribute to efforts to make Ekurhuleni safer and ensure those responsible for the killings are brought before the courts.

Rasilingwane also highlighted the impact of the deaths on the victims’ families, including the family of Elizabeth ‘Tsontso’ Moselakgomo, whose eight-year-old daughter made the initial calls that brought her mother’s disappearance to light.

According to the DA, people who wish to qualify for its reward must formally submit information to SAPS and provide the party with proof that the report was made.

Police have urged the public to exercise caution before sharing information about the investigation, particularly claims that identify individuals or link unrelated cases.

Also read: Fact or fear? Residents urged to think before they share

Unverified claims can cause unnecessary alarm and may incorrectly implicate people who have not been identified by investigators as suspects.

Anyone with information that could assist the official investigation is urged to report it to SAPS rather than circulating it on social media.